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Category: Recap

I think what most guys enjoyed at the 2012 Timonium Motorcycle Show, besides all the amazing motorcycles of course, was the International Bikini Team contest, which had several events over the three day show. The best event by far was obviously the Bikini Round. It was a definite highlight to see all those beautiful ladies walk around in minimal clothing. While the Bikini contest was taking place though someone several booths had some sort of medical emergency and the women hosting the contest ask, “Is there a Doctor here anywhere?” One of the Bikini contestants, Malissa, ran off the stage and through the crowd to help. She is a registered nurse. Additionally several of the other bikini contestants had similar training. I wasn't able to see what was going on, but it is nice to know beautiful Bikini clad ladies can help. When the Bikini contest resumed Hannah Baker was announced the winner. She will get a chance to compete in the International Bikini Team U.S. Finals in the Bahamas this coming August. What a lucky girl Hannah is! Second place was the Malissa Jayne and third place was Julia Tirenna. All the girls deserved a prize in my opinion though.

If you love motorcycles, chrome, leather, and hot babes, than the 2012 Timonium Motorcycle Show was the place for you to be. The Timonium Motorcycle Show takes place at the Maryland State Fairgrounds every year in February and is one of the largest indoor bike shows up and down the Mid-Atlantic. The show covers around 750,000 square feet of floor space and features all sorts of exciting events and bikes over the three days it takes place.

This year's show, which took place February 10th-12th, was a cold weekend. A little cold never keeps bikers away as the parking lot was packed, as usual. Walking in from the parking lot you can always tell the enormity of the event by the all the out-of-state license plates, Virginia, Pennsylvania, even as far away as North Carolina. Luckily those people didn't drive all that way for nothing as this year's show was quite good.

Walking into the entrance you are greeted by a glorious display of Harley-Davidson motorcycles showcased by Harley-Davidson of Baltimore. My favorite Harley at the show? Honestly… it is too hard to decide.

Behind the Harley-Davidson display was Bob's BMW with their exciting BMW offerings, which included the special K-1300S HP package. Improving upon BMW's amazing K-1300 S, the K-1300 S HP package offers a 175-horsepower with carbon parts for the front wheel cover, battery cover and rear seat cowling, making the bike light. It also has a beautiful Akrapović sports silencer and a paddock stand. Only 750 of these amazing motorcycle will be made, which is disappointing, but at least I was able to see one.

Victory Motorcycles was also at the show. The bike everyone always seems to crowd I have noticed is the Victory Vision Tourer. It's striking lines and amazing shape really catch the eye and make a lot of people stop to take a closer look. It screams, “Ride me!”

Some other brands I enjoyed seeing at Timonium Motorcycle Show were Triumph and Indian. There is something about the classic look of the Triumph Bonneville and Triumph Scramblers which is so hard not to love. It takes me back to a simpler time, when I wasn't even alive! I talked with the salesmen about how it has been selling motorcycles in this economy and it seems Triumph sales have endured. As the Bonneville is a popular among celebrities and Marlon Brando rode a Triumph in the famous movie “The Wild One.”

The beautiful Indian Chiefs on display form Indian Motorcycles of New Jersey were quite amazing too. Lots of people stopped and commented on how beautiful the bikes were. Better save your money because the least expensive Chief model starts around $26,000. Worth, probably.

There were also many custom bikes at the show. Paul Teutal Jr.'s first he built after he split from Orange County Choppers was on display at the Geico Insurance booth. The Geico Insurance bike is a cool looking bike, but it has fairly useless infrared sensor. One of my favorites at the show every year is a motorcycle dedicated to The Beatles. The gas tank is adorned with the famous Abbey Road album cover picture. Who doesn't love the Beatles? Most interesting vehicle of any kind would have to be the Monocycle. That thing must be hard to ride and control! There were countless other amazing custom motorcycles at the show as well.

Every bike enthusiasts has a different style and taste, and most likely you will find something that will suit your style at the Timonium Motorcycle Show. Since this year was the 10th Anniversary of the show, it felt particularly exciting experience. If you missed it this year, be sure to check it out next year. See my pictures below and check out my International Bikini Team Contest coverage.

I am a bit late in posting these pictures of the Baltimore Auto Show, but better late than never. The 2012 Baltimore Auto Show was not too much to brag about though. There were considerably less cars this year and no luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, and Porsche. Baltimore being poor, I guess it isn't surprising they didn't show this year. Also there were no exotic cars like Ferraris, Lamborghinis, etc. Worst part of all, no tuner alley! It was a big letdown compared to the Washington Auto Show.

While I love seeing the new models automakers are offering and what is in store for new year in the car world, I felt the recent Baltimore Auto Show showed how depressed the economy was. Through the grapevine I heard the convention center tripled there rates, which explained most of it. Even considering that the displays weren't anything to brag about and people were generally not having much fun it seemed. It sort of felt like 2008 was happening in the all over again, but hey this is 2012.

I hope next year will reflect a more robust car market and economy. Also hopefully the Convention Center will lower their rates!

Old Glory Harley Davidson, in Laurel, raised $2,000 hosting the 2011 Hogs & Heros Poker Run and Bike/Car Show that took place on July 30th, 2011. The money was evenly split between MD Concerns of Police Survivors (MD COPS) and HEROES Inc. These organizations raise money for fallen police, military, and firefighters children and families. These service men and women have given their lives for serving others, and it's wonderful to see Old Glory hosting an event like this to support these wonderful organizations.

It was a great event with all sorts of cool bikes, and cars. Next year's Hogs & Heroes at Old Glory should raise even more money. Check out additional pictures from my Flickr image gallery.

Over 100 vehicles of all types came out to R&H Toyota's brand new service center in support of the Children's Guild. Including motorcycles, hot-rods, muscle cars, and imports. There were 87 participants in the judging portion. I am sure was quite difficult to judge since they were some amazing vehicles there. Such as Trevor Boone's '01 Honda Accord with a polk audio system, lambo doors, and playstation. A beautiful purple Kawasaki ZX1400 owned by Markus with every imaginable upgrade possible. Some of my personal favorites at the show were a beautiful red Jaguar E-Type, Ford GT, and even a Ferrari. A certain writer would love to own these!

There were also some great activities at the show. Both Mobil1 and Shell had racing simulators setup for attendees to try out. Trying out the simulators was quite fun and more difficult than I thought… just like real racing! When I exited the Mobil1 simulator the guy exclaimed “Harder then it looks, huh?” Sure was. Shell and Mobil1 also had their race cars on display at the show along with the simulators. It was great to see the vehicles up close.

“This was entirely a employee concept and they worked very hard to put this together.” said David Russell, General Manager for R&H Toyota. “Everyone knew different people to bring to the show. Vendors really stepped up to support this as well.”

The Children's guild is definitely an organization that needs people to step up to support it. It serves the needs of children with trauma disorders, autism, or disabilities in the Maryland and Washington DC area. Currently they are working on opening up several new schools in the area. Any added support is much appreciated.